THE government and the firefighters' employers believe the strike should not go ahead and believe the firefighters should accept the pay deal of four cent.

They say the strike is not needed because there is an independent pay review planned and this will gave a fair solution to the question of pay.

They offered a four per cent increase in pay but said that certain conditions -- or a modernisation agenda -- would have to be adopted.

One of these would see firefighters taken off night duty, with more doing community fire safety in the day.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the strike was "completely unnecessary and completely unjustified."

Opponents of striking say that people's lives will be at risk - and that if anyone dies in a fire during a strike, firefighters will lose public sympathy. Army firefighters, using old Green Goddess fire engines, will provide emergency cover during the strikes.

Peter Holland, Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer, said: "Lives will be put at risk as a result of this industrial action.

"But it is a difficult time to be judgemental, we just want it to be over with as soon as possible.

"The military will do their best but they are no substitute for a fully trained fire service, it is a shortfall."

Not all East Lancashire residents back the firefighters' case.

Phil Thompson, 45, of the Witton park area, Blackburn, said: "They should not get more money.

"Most of them are not graduates, so I think the rate of pay is fair, and generally speaking the conditions of work and the terms of the contract are very favourable.

"They do not work the hours that other public servants work and I know a fireman and he said it is the cushiest job he's ever had."

Eunice Walmsley, of Cherry Tree, Blackburn, said: "I don't think they should get more.

"They knew the situation when they took the job, and like surgeons and nurses who do not strike, they shouldn't endanger people's lives in this way.

"I think £30,000 is far too much and totally unrealistic."